Powerball jackpot rises to $550 million

Published: Friday, May 17, 2013 at 7:47 a.m.

Last Modified: Friday, May 17, 2013 at 7:47 a.m.

The Multi-State Lottery Association, which operates the game for 45 lotteries including Louisiana's, said Thursday the jackpot climbs to $550 million thanks to a nationwide surge in sales. Before the increase, the advertised jackpot was $475 million. The cash value of the May 18 jackpot is $350.1 million.

The jackpot was last hit March 30. Statewide, Powerball sales total more than $4.4 million for the week beginning Sunday and that number is expected to climb ahead of Saturday's drawing. Powerball tickets must be purchased by 9 p.m. that night.

The largest Powerball jackpot ever won is $587.5 million in November, which was split between two winning tickets.

The most recent Powerball jackpot won in Louisiana was in July 2010 for $85.7 million.

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